Smoking status of medical students and changes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Background Smoking is a major public health threat that contributes to many diseases and deaths. This study aimed to investigate cigarette and alternative tobacco products (ATP) use and knowledge among students. Additionally, changes in smoking prevalence and contributing factors during the COVID-19 pandemic were examined. Methods The cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was conducted among students from the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, by sending e-mails with links, during November-December 2022. Our study population consisted of 783 students with a mean age of 22.7±2.7 years; 68.1 % of students studied in Slovak; 67.0 % of respondents were female; 21.8% did not have COVID-19, and 6.6% were not vaccinated. The data were analyzed by SPSS 25. Results Out of these, 89 were current smokers (11.4%), 216 ex-smokers (27.6%), and 478 non-smokers (61.0%) in the study sample, significantly higher number of smokers were men (16.2% vs 9.1%; p = 0.004), more foreigners (9.4% vs 15.6%; p = 0.021). A total of 170 medical students (21.8%) reported using any kind of alternative tobacco product, with a significant intersexual difference (27.4% males vs. 18.9% females; p < 0.001), more Slovaks (22.9% vs. 19.4%; p = 0.503). The pandemic did not affect a significant change in classic nicotine product intake for 11.4%; 11.8% of students decrease intake; while 8.0% increased their intake. 17.5% of users of ATP did not change their habits during the pandemic; 7.0% of students decrease intake; 12.6% increased. Respondents who were smokers and ex-smokers reported an increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic more frequently than non-smokers (23.6% and 21.5% vs. 10.7%, respectively). Conclusions The results show the high consumption of different tobacco products, and the lack of knowledge and awareness among medical students, future healthcare providers, who should serve as a model for their patients and the public. Supported by KEGA 015UK-4/2022 Key messages • As future healthcare providers, medical students will play key role in health promotion and disease prevention, and they should serve as a model for their patients and the general public as well. • Our study emphasizes increasing awareness and education regarding tobacco use and the need for intervention in the field of disease prevention at medical faculties.